The Universal Way of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Liberal, simplified and abridged translation for speedy daily practice.
Released into Public Domain.
The Bodhisattva of Boundless Will arose from his seat, bared his right
shoulder, turned towards the Buddha with joined palms and asked:
“World Honored One, we yearn to know why the Bodhisattva
Avalokitesvara, He Who Hears and Heeds the Sounds of the World, is
titled thus?”
The Buddha replied to Boundless Will: “Virtuous Son! If a multitude
of distressed sentient beings ensnared by myriad sorrows cry out with
one heart the name of Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva will heed their
call and release them from suffering. If those who uphold
Avalokitesvara's name were thrown into a raging inferno, they would,
by the astonishing power of the Bodhisattva, be immune from the
flames. And if swept away by turbulent tides, they would reach the
shallows. Likewise, whenever the many who cross the oceans in
search of a fortune in gold, silver, red coral, pearls and precious
stones find baneful winds forcing them into perilous or haunted
waters, then the whole vessel may be steered to safety if just one
among them chants the name of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. For
these reasons, he is honored as He Who Hears and Heeds the Sounds
of the World.”
“Furthermore, if soon to be victims of violence cry for Avalokitesvara,
the attacking blades shall break and leave them uninjured. Should a
mighty host of Yakshas and Rakshasas —vast enough to cover the
universe— march forth to torment others, then these fearsome
ghosts, upon encountering someone who holds the name of
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, would be unable to even gaze at them
with evil eyes, let alone do any harm. And all who are chained and
fettered, whether guilty to not, will be freed and their restraints
shattered upon invoking the name of Avalokitesvara. Moreover, say a
merchant caravan laden with wealth and goods is about to pass
through a perilous path surrounded by hoards of marauders—men
with hearts hardened by hatred and grievances. If at that time one of
the merchants addressed his peers: ‘My good fellows, be not afraid,
for let us all chant with one heart the name of Avalokitesvara, the one
who bestows fearlessness, and be thus freed from the marauders/
Then these merchants, upon chanting ‘Homage to Avalokitesvara
Bodhisattva/ will be released from all danger and be able to see their
goods to safety.”
Rest of Translation here:
https://archive.org/details/avalokitesvara25
Copyright © Brian Chung | Year Posted 2020
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